Things to Consider When Designing Your Nursery
Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is challenging, and that is never more clear than when you are decorating and supplying the nursery. You probably already have an idea or two in mind for the decor, but the furniture and baby care items, as well as the paint and other products you use to decorate, will require some research. After all, your nursery should not only be comfortable and stylish but safe as well. Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider when planning your new nursery. Read more
7 Tips to Home Hairdressing
1 – Get the right Equipment
* Scissors – You cant cut hair without them!
An investment in a good quality pair of Hairdressing Scissors is the best decision you can make. You wont need a £200+ pair but spend as much as you can afford on this essential kit.
* Hair dryers -A cheap Hairdryer seems like a good option, but spend wisely. Buy one with as many features as possible, attachments and multiple heat settings are good. You want to ensure your clients are comfortable, and blasting them on full power because you cant turn it down will not get you repeat business.
* Straighteners – GHD Straightenerss have gained a good reputation for home use, as have Remington straighteners, again go with the best you can afford, read the reviews online and avoid the cheap options. Your clients are your bread and butter, and they need to feel safe in your hands, seeing good quality equipment will give them piece of mind, and will ensure happy clients.
* Hair Clippers – Depending on the type of hairdessing you want to do – you may decide you don’t need a pair of hair clippers, however for the cheap prices a set can be picked up for, it’s worth having some in your kit bag. You may not be intending to cut male hair, but a quick trim can be performed quickly and easily for your clients husbands or boyfriends, and that means more money in your pocket! (You could even offer a ‘couples discount’!)
* Hair Products – There are thousands of hair products on the market, shampoo, wax, hairspray, styling mousse etc. Having something for everyone is virtually impossible, and everyone has their own favourite brand so your best bet is to go for some well known branded products. Don’t break the bank here. Give your clients the option of using their own products. If you are styling a clients hair in their home you can use their own products, but take the opportunity to sell your own recommended brands. (You can buy in bulk, and resell at a profit!)
2 – Know your Market
You have a choice of two main types of hairdressing, you must pick the one that suits your needs the best.
Choice 1 is the more modern salon style of hairdressing, this style follows fashions and styles directly.
Choice 2 is the more traditional hairdressers, this choice usually requires less training, as the work is less about styling hair and concentrates more on the basic cutting of hair.
Find out what would give you the best return in your area, if you are providing mobile hairdressing services then the simpler cutting style will benefit you best, it requires less equipment and less of your valuable time!
3 – Advertising
Local advertising is the best way to sell your services. Word of mouth will only get you so far, so if you want to be a success, then you need to get your details into the marketplace where others can find you!
You can get a free listing right here in our Leeds Hairdressers Directory, or a paid listing to get a featured advert.
Try putting an ad on Gumtree or Craiglist – make sure you select the right section for your local area.
Buying an ad in local papers, is usually a good investment, as well as ads in shop windows.
If you have a car, get yourself a sticker made with your name and number on (include your website if you have one) and you are getting free advertising everywhere you drive!
4 – Price yourself into the Market
Hairdressers generally charge a set price for the work or style that is carried out, find out what others are charging in your area and undercut them if you think you can afford it. Be realistic though and don’t undersell yourself, if you develop a reputation for quality you may be able to increase your prices in the future.
Print up a price list and leave it with your clients, leave a couple extra and ask them to pass them on to friends (remember to include your details so they can contact you!)
5 – Qualifications and Skills
A qualification in hairdressing (such as an NVQ) is an excellent selling point and can be obtained relatively easily through night school courses or colleges.
Trainee positions at salons are often highly competed, but don’t be afraid to learn your trade in a salon then branch off on your own, if you are ruthless you can take some of your clients with you too!
6 – It doesn’t hurt to Read!
Below are a couple of recommended books that can be picked up from any good high street bookstore, or online shop:
Haircutting for Dummies (ISBN: 076455428X) – I’m not calling you a Dummy, but most people have to start somewhere!
How to Simply Cut Hair (ISBN: 0929883063) – A Step by Step Guide to the Six Basic Haircuts That Can Be Combined or Altered to Create Just About Any Hairstyle
7 – Set up a Salon
If you are great at what you do, and build up a good client base then you may consider setting up your own Salon, this is a competitive business, and is not something you should do lightly. Make sure you have already got clients that would be willing to come to your salon, so you have a guaranteed customer base and income stream.
By: Robert Thomson
HOW TO MAKE THINNING HAIR LOOK THICKER
Even if you do not have thinning hair, I bet you dream of having lush, thick and healthy locks to set off your complete look. For most people with thinning hair, though, all of their styling endeavors are met with frustration and a style that falls well short of the image that they had envisioned.
Thinning hair shouldn’t sentence you to a life of dull and unstylish tresses. In fact, there are several things that you can do to make your thinning hair look stunning. The best part is that these options for styling thinning hair won’t cost a great deal of your time or money either.
The first thing that you need to do to make your thinning hair look thicker is to find the right stylist. Try to find a stylist who has other clients with thinning hair and is fluent in all of the right styles and techniques to both protect thinning hair and make it look thicker than it really is. One way to do this by asking for referrals from family or friends who also have thinning hair, yet always seem to look like they have just left the salon.
Once you have found the right stylist, the two of you can begin to examine your options for making your thinning hair appear thick again. There are lots of different ways to thicken up your locks, so it is very important for you and your stylist to talk about each thinning hair option together so that you can pick the right techniques that are perfect for you and your thinning hair.
Here are just a few of the ways that you can make your thinning hair appear lush and thick:
Cut and Texture: One of the best ways to conceal your thinning hair is to get a cut that adds lots of texture and movement to your style while at the same time making your hair appear thicker. Long hair tends to draw the eye to the reality of thinning hair and so shorter hairstyles are often your better option. Choose styles with a lot of layers and textures that will create movement and interest to your thinning hair style. Adding texture with soft curls can also be a great way to make your thinning hair look its best.
Color: Not only does color add more body and thickness to your thinning hair, it can also be used to draw the eye away from particularly thin spots. With combinations of low-lights, high-lights and color accents, your stylist can do great wonders for your thinning hair with a color brush. Products: There are a wide variety of products on the market that can be used to conceal thinning hair. For example, thickening shampoos and conditioners can do a lot for thinning hair. Also be aware of what types of styling products you use on your thinning hair; use lighter products such as mousses and pomades instead heavy products like gel and spritzs. As you can see, none of these remedies for thinning hair are particularly complicated or expensive. By simply learning how to best style your thinning hair and learning to use the right products, you can do a great deal to make your hair look both chic and thick.
By: thinning hair